special feature

Happy feet & legs too!

Looking chic in winter without catching a cold is definitely a challenge. We layer up at the top with sweaters, shawls, mufflers and the like leaving our poor legs and feet to suffer through even on the coldest days. Wearing cotton shalwars and palazzos are hardly any protection against the chilly winter wind, jeans are a way better option; over the past couple of years leggings have really gained popularity amongst women as they are comfortable and stylish!

LEGGINGS

The best thing about leggings is that they are versatile. They can be worn with dresses, t-shirts, long tops and kurtis. You can team them up with any kind of tops and still manage to look trendy. Made of stretch material, they fit so snugly that they suit all body types.

With leggings variety is indeed the spice of winter! From solid colours to bright beautiful prints, they can actually brighten up any dull dreary winter day. Fleece lined leggings can keep you real warm in winters.

It would be a fallacy to say that leggings are a winter garment. Summer or winter, seasons really do not matter. Warm woolen leggings for winter, cotton leggings for summer or even the fancier decorative lace leggings worn with the correct ensemble, are a must have in every girl's wardrobe.

Types of leggings

'Ankle length' and 'calf length,' are the two basic types of leggings. As the names suggest one reaches the ankle while the other ends at the calf.

Ankle length leggings are appropriate for winter as they cover the full leg compared to calf length leggings. Stirrups are another style which look best when worn with shoes that cover the entire foot. Its biggest advantage being that the band at its base, when secured under the foot, prevents the legging from riding up the leg.

Some tips to wear leggings

When wearing patterned and printed leggings always try to pair them with single coloured tops and vice-versa. Balance is the key word here, let the bold prints grab the attention, off setting them with a complementing solid colour.

Leggings have a tendency to stick to the body as they literally stretch over the skin, so if you are not very comfortable, team them up with long tunics or sweaters to get extra cover. Another way would be to wear a long coat if you pair your leggings with a shorter top.

A good range of leggings are available at various outlets in Dhaka, noteworthy for the variety they offer are Astorian in Gulshan and shops at the Bashundhara City Shopping Mall. Solid coloured and black and white printed leggings are generally easier to find. Badruddoza Market and Bongobazar are some other places where you will get a good variety of leggings at very reasonable prices.

FOOTWEAR

Just like you can carry leggings with any type of top, it is pretty easy to pair them with any type of footwear too. From sneakers to slippers to heels, there really is no limit to the multiple looks you can create when sporting a pair of leggings. Where footwear is concerned closed shoes are your best bet to combat winter chills.

Boots

Available in ankle, thigh and knee lengths, boots are also found in various designs. 'Chelsea' boots are extremely stylish whereas the 'chukka' boots are casual yet chic.

Most of these footwear look great with jeans, skirts, dresses or leggings and can be worn for casual or formal occasions. 'Lace-up' boots are yet another classic boot design. These tend to look dressier and can spruce up even a simple outfit.

Boots are the ideal choice for winter footwear. Stores like Bata and Gallerie Apex house a number of boots in different styles. Prices for boots are generally on the steeper side starting at Tk 4000 and above.

Sneakers

Another comfortable set of footwear to keep your feet warm in winter are sneakers. Even though regular sneakers do a good job of protecting your feet, 'High top' sneakers are the preferred choice for winter. They extend significantly above the ankle and are available as lace ups and slip on. A variety of them are found in the shops on Elephant Road as well as in Bata and Gallerie Apex.

Oxfords

Known basically as shoes for men, good ol' Oxfords have made their way into women's footwear too. Oxfords are well suited for lighter winters as they do not cover the ankle. They are the type of shoes you can just slip on and look super trendy while being super comfy. Pair them up with ankle or calf length leggings and get the perfect look.

Moccasins

Like Oxfords, moccasins are also suited for lighter winter as they do not cover the feet entirely. However, if you ever get your hands on some fleece lined moccasins, then you are set to see the season through till the end.

Pumps and Ballerinas are again suited only for moderate winters however without exception when worn with socks or footed leggings they can keep your feet sufficiently warm.

Leggings are here to stay. This season try pairing up this wardrobe staple with winter footwear to make you feel warm while looking stylish.

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

Model: Antora, Mysha

Wardrobe: Sciccoso

Makeup: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

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